NFL Free Agency 2012: The Toughest Re-Signing Decision for Each NFL Team

Depending on your allegiance, free agency is either the best or worst time of the year. If you're a Green Bay Packers fan, free agency is nothing to get excited about. In the best-case scenario, the Packers avoid losing any of their best players.

As a San Francisco 49ers fan, on the other hand, there is plenty reason to be excited. For a number of years, the 49ers have been incredibly active in free agency. These numerous signings may not have produced wins, but they sure do add to fan excitement.

While this excitement is great, there are some aspects of free agency that aren't discussed as much as they should be. Prior to the start of the signing period, each team makes numerous decisions regarding their own expiring contracts.

Should the Packers try to sign Jermichael Finley to a long-term contract, or should they use the franchise tag? Would the Cleveland Browns be better off letting Peyton Hillis walk?

These decisions are an underrated, but crucial part of free agency. With all this said, here is the biggest decision each NFL team faces regarding their own free agents.

Chicago Bears: Matt Forte

When watching the Bears, it is immediately obvious that Matt Forte is crucial to the team's offensive success. Forte is not only Chicago's best runner, but he is one of the team's best receivers as well.

The question regarding Forte isn't whether the Bears will retain him; that much is guaranteed. The predicament that the Bears face is how to retain their star running back. 

At the moment, it seems likely that Chicago will use the franchise tag on Forte, but they could opt to negotiate a long-term extension.

If the Bears use the franchise tag, they could end up with an unhappy running back, like Chris Johnson and the Titans.

We all know how that one turned out.

Cincinnati Bengals: Cedric Benson

Over the past couple years, Benson has been a huge part of the Cincinnati offense. However, Benson struggled last year and hasn't been great in 2011 either.

Though Cincinnati relies on Benson, he isn't anything special and is nearing the dreaded age of 30. With the high number of skilled running backs always available, it seems likely that the Bengals will let Benson walk.

It may not be a popular decision, and Cincinnati will struggle with it, but it is probably the right one.

Buffalo Bills: Steve Johnson

Johnson really isn't a huge issue for the Bills. The 6'2" 210 pounder may not be elite, but he is a solid player and a valuable piece of the Buffalo offense.

With this said, it seems likely that the Bills will re-sign Johnson to a long-term deal. If Johnson's demands prove too rich, Buffalo will slap him with the franchise tag.

Ideally, the Bills re-sign Johnson. If not, they will simply lock him up for another season.

Denver Broncos: Brodrick Bunkley

In all honesty, Bunkley isn't a big concern for the Broncos, and it doesn't matter a ton whether they keep him or let him go.

Bunkley is, however, the best free agent Denver stands to lose, and he plays at one of the team's weakest positions.

Though the 6'2" 306 pounder is a decent player, he doesn't have a huge impact on the team. Ideally, the Broncos will re-sign him, but it's not a huge loss if they don't.

Cleveland Browns: Peyton Hillis

Throughout the 2011 season, the Peyton Hillis saga has been one of the most highly publicized and annoying story lines. Last year, Hillis was the focus of the Browns offense and his absence has dramatically affected Cleveland.

Even in the midst of his great season, Hillis was widely suspected to be a one-year wonder. Now, after missing several games with strep throat and a hamstring injury, Hillis is seen as an overrated player.

Despite this thought, Hillis made the Browns offense much better when he was healthy, but this year's issues may be too much for the team to ignore.

In all likelihood, Cleveland will look to forget this year's drama and allow Hillis to sign with another team.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ronde Barber

Now 37 years old, Barber isn't the player he once was. He is, however, still a decent cornerback who has seen his career extended due to Tampa Bay's Cover 2 defensive scheme.

Barber wouldn't be a huge loss for the Buccaneers, but he would be missed in Tampa nonetheless. Barber represents the last bit of the once great Tampa Bay defense.

On the field, Barber can be replaced, but fans will want him to stay with the team until he retires.

Arizona Cardinals: Calais Campbell

Campbell is a great player, but the Cardinals have already shelled out a ton of cash to fellow defensive lineman Darnell Dockett.

With Campbell's athletic ability, he could easily play defensive end in a 4-3 scheme. This only adds to Campbell's price, and Arizona will have to decide just how valuable Campbell is.

Though the Cardinals would certainly like to retain Campbell, he may prove too pricy.

San Diego Chargers: Mike Tolbert

Former first-round pick Ryan Mathews has replaced Tolbert as the team's primary ball carrier, but Tolbert is still valuable. The 5'9" 243 pounder is just 25 years old and is a good receiver out of the backfield.

With Mathews' well-documented injury issues, the Chargers would be wise to hang on to Tolbert. He may be a bit expensive for a backup running back, but San Diego has unusual need for a good backup.

Kansas City Chiefs: Brandon Carr

Carr has been very good for Kansas City, but with the huge contract the team just gave Brandon Flowers, he may be too expensive. Dwayne Bowe is also a free agent, and the Chiefs are all but certain to retain their star wideout.

With the amount of money Kansas City recently shelled out to Flowers and Tamba Hali, Bowe's contract may push the team over the ledge. Though the Chiefs would undoubtedly like to retain Carr, it may not be possible.

Indianapolis Colts: Robert Mathis

Mathis has been a great pass-rusher for the Colts, but now 30 years old, he may be starting to decline. With Dwight Freeney on the other end, Indianapolis could plug just about anyone in Mathis's place and still get a decent pass rush.

Ignoring his age, Mathis will be expensive. The Colts may be entering a rebuilding phase, and at Mathis's price and age, he probably wouldn't be a part of that process.

Honorable Mention: Reggie Wayne hasn't been productive without Peyton Manning, and like Tom Brady, Manning can produce with no one at wide receiver.

Dallas Cowboys: Anthony Spencer

Though he has shown flashes, Spencer has never developed into the edge-rusher the Cowboys hoped he would become. However, the 6'3" 257 pounder is strong against the run, and with DeMarcus Ware on the other edge, the Cowboys don't need him to be a stud pass-rusher.

The answer to this question likely depends on how expensive Spencer will be. If he requires just an average contract, Dallas will probably retain him for another season.

If Spencer seeks a big contract, however, he will probably be playing for a new team come 2012.

Miami Dolphins: Paul Soliai

Soliai finally broke out in 2010, but has really regressed in 2011. Though the 6'4", 355-pound nose tackle was hit with the franchise tag a year ago, he probably won't be playing for Miami next year.

After last year's surprising performance, the Dolphins took the safe route and franchise-tagged Solai rather than handing him a long-term extension. After failing to meet expectations, Miami is likely to take the safe rout again by letting him walk.

The Dolphins could make a risky move and give Soliai a big contract, hoping he will revert to last year's form. But in all likelihood, the Soliai we are seeing this year is a solid indication of his future performance.

Philadelphia Eagles: DeSean Jackson

It's virtually guaranteed that Jackson will be an Eagle next year. The real question is what type of contract the speedy wideout will be playing under.

Jackson has not been secretive about his discontent regarding his contract, and one way or another, he will be getting a raise next year. Philadelphia has has shown hesitance in paying Jackson, and the team may opt to use the franchise tag.

This short-term commitment probably won't be enough to satisfy Jackson, however. If you think things have been ugly between Jackson and the Eagles in the past, just wait until the upcoming offseason.

Atlanta Falcons: John Abraham

Over the past few years, Abraham has been one of the game's best and most underrated pass-rushers. However, Abraham is now 33 years old, and his ever-present injury problems are likely to become worse as he ages.

The Falcons have recently devoted a lot of money to the defensive side of the ball, signing Dunta Robinson and Ray Edwards in free agency. With younger and safer options available elsewhere, it seems likely that Atlanta will not have Abraham on the roster in a year.

San Francisco 49ers: Alex Smith

To the surprise of pretty much everyone, Smith has actually been really good in 2011. The former No. 1 overall pick has been a huge disappointment in the past, but is having a fantastic season at the moment.

However, Smith's performance is widely viewed as an outlier, and the team did select Colin Kaepernick in the second round in last April's draft. With Smith's contract expiring and Kaepernick waiting, the 49ers have a decision to make.

Unless the team chooses to franchise tag Smith, they will either have to make a long-term commitment or move on with Kaepernick. Given Smith's play this year compared to previous seasons, this will not be an easy decision.

New York Giants: Kareem McKenzie

Though he is now 32 years old, McKenzie is still a decent player. Though they may prefer a younger option, the Giants don't have many options behind McKenzie, and no team wants to spend an early draft pick on a right tackle.

McKenzie is nearing or already at the age where offensive tackles tend to decline. New York will probably attempt to retain McKenzie, but if he demands a big contract, the team will balk.

Honorable Mention: Terrell Thomas is a high-quality cornerback, but he recently tore his ACL and the Giants have decent depth at cornerback. However, the team may try to retain him on the cheap, especially with Aaron Ross likely moving on in free agency.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Rashean Mathis

At one point an excellent cornerback, Mathis is no longer the player he once was. The now 31-year-old Mathis hasn't been great for a few years and will continue to decline as he ages.

However, the Jacksonville secondary is still a weak spot and needs all the help it can get. The loss of Mathis would be yet another starting position for the team to fill. If the Jaguars would allow Mathis to walk, they would lose one of their few competent defensive backs.

The last thing Jacksonville wants is to have to search for yet another cornerback.

New York Jets: Sione Pouha

Though he has been good for the Jets, Pouha isn't great or young. The 32-year-old nose tackle has been a pleasant surprise since filling in for Kris Jenkins, but he is certainly replaceable. 

At 6'3", 325 pounds, Pouha has great size for the nose tackle position. New York certainly has needs at other positions, and re-signing Pouha would allow the team to devote its resources to these pressing issues.

Pouha will likely re-sign at a fairly cheap cost, and he should continue to be a solid player for the Jets.

Detroit Lions: Eric Wright

Prior to the 2010 season, Wright had been great for the Browns. However, Wright struggled last year and moved on to the Lions as a result.

Wright has rebounded in Detroit and established himself as an above-average cornerback on a good defense. Because Wright signed a one-year contract, the Lions must decide whether or not to retain him.

Though Wright won't come cheap, he won't be as expensive as other high-level cornerbacks. Detroit still has a need at the position, so the team would be better off not having to replace Wright.

Green Bay Packers: Scott Wells

Though Wells isn't an elite player, he is a solid center and a valuable part of the Green Bay offensive line. However, the Packers just re-signed right guard Josh Sitton to a big deal and may not want to spend money on another interior offensive lineman.

The 30-year-old Wells could be replaced, but general manager Ted Thompson doesn't like to spend money in free agency. Because of this, the Packers would have to use a draft pick on the position.

Though Green Bay does not have very many needs and could afford to do this, no team likes to spend a high draft pick on a center.

Carolina Panthers: Dan Connor

After recently giving Connor's fellow linebackers James Anderson and Jon Beason big contracts, the Panthers may not want to devote any more money to the position. Connor is a solid if unspectacular player who has played well in Beason's absence.

Carolina probably wouldn't have to pay Connor too much money, so the team will likely attempt to retain him. However, Connor may be able to fetch more money from a more needy team. If this is the case, Connor will almost certainly leave.

The Panthers have a talented linebacking corps, but they need to decide how valuable Connor is to the team.

New England Patriots: BenJarvus Green-Ellis

Green-Ellis hasn't been great by any means, but he did rush for over 1,000 yards a year ago. Though the 26-year-old isn't much of a receiver, he is far and away the Patriots' best rusher.

After spending two draft picks on the running back position last April, New England probably won't retain Green-Ellis. Bill Belichick has never really valued the running back position, and with other options already on the roster, Green-Ellis is probably gone.

However, Tom Brady has benefited some from having a respectable run game, and the Patriots' offense would miss Green-Ellis in the backfield.

Oakland Raiders: Tyvon Branch

The only reason this is a question at all is the ridiculous contract Oakland recently gave to Michael Huff. The Raiders obviously valued Huff quite a bit, but Branch is easily the better player.

Branch is an athletic run-stuffer who consistently racks up tackles. Though he isn't a star by any means, Branch is solid.

Should Branch leave, the Raiders would be left with no early round draft picks and only Mike Mitchell on the roster to serve as a replacement.

St. Louis Rams: Brandon Lloyd

Lloyd isn't a great receiver, but he is the best on the Rams roster. St. Louis probably has the worst wide receiver corps in the NFL, and the unit needs all the help it can get.

The Rams need to devote money to the position as it is, but if Lloyd leaves, the already-bad situation will only get worse. However, Lloyd may seek more money than he is worth.

Though it is obvious that Lloyd isn't a primary wideout, he did have a fantastic season a year ago. This production could drive Lloyd's value up and force the Rams out of the race for his services.

Baltimore Ravens: Ben Grubbs

After giving Marshal Yanda a huge contract last offseason, the Ravens may not wish to spend any more money on the offensive line. Though Yanda is a better player, Grubbs is a solid guard in his own right.

The former first-round draft pick has been incredibly consistent for Baltimore and would be difficult to replace. The Ravens have, however, let high-priced offensive linemen walk in the past and could do the same with Grubbs.

Ray Rice will be getting paid in some form in the offseason, and Baltimore may not have enough money to retain Grubbs as well.

Washington Redskins: Fred Davis

Though Chris Cooley has been great for Washington, Fred Davis may be better. At 6'4", 258 pounds, Davis is more of a typical tight end than Cooley.

Cooley has struggled with injuries recently and is hardly reliable moving forward. Davis may be looking to get paid in the offseason, but he won't get a huge contract and might be worth it for the Redskins.

Honorable Mention: Though he is 36 years old, London Fletcher is still an excellent player. Inside linebacker is already a position of weakness for the Redskins, and without Fletcher, it would be even worse. The obvious concern about Fletcher is his age and likely decline.

New Orleans Saints: Carl Nicks

A massive 6'5", 350-pound guard, Nicks is incredibly light on his feet and excels in both pass protection and run-blocking. As good as Nicks may be, the Saints don't have a ton of money to spend.

The team recently gave Jahri Evans a huge contract, and they probably don't want to spend big money on yet another guard. Regardless of where he plays next year, Nicks will get a huge contract. His high level of play just might not be worth the money for New Orleans.

Honorable Mention: Since entering the NFL in 2006, Marques Colston has been a solid, but not great player for New Orleans. Colston has consistently gained around 1,000 yards per season, and is worth a reasonably large contract. He just may not be worth as much as he thinks he is.

Seattle Seahawks: John Carlson

Though the Seahawks already had a good tight end in Carlson, they signed Zach Miller to a huge contract in free agency. However, Miller has hardly produced at all and Carlson has still received plenty of playing time.

Carlson is a good blocker and receiver, but with Miller's salary, he may be too expensive for Seattle. Unfortunately, most teams simply can't afford two high-priced tight ends.

Honorable Mention: Though Marshawn Lynch has been good for Seattle, he has had off-the-field problems in the past and is far from reliable. Still just 25 years old, Lynch is talented and the Seahawks will attempt to retain him.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Max Starks

Though Starks wasn't even on the Steelers' roster at the beginning of the season, he has stepped up as one of the team's better offensive linemen. However, Starks is now 29 years old and has never been great.

It is impossible to know what Pittsburgh intends to do with Starks. It seemed like the team should have retained him last year, but they didn't.

Starks certainly won't demand a big contract, and the Steelers could use him for depth at the very least.

Houston Texans: Mario Williams

Let me start by saying that I think the Texans should, and will retain Williams. The former No. 1-overall pick is among the game's elite pass-rushers and can take over a game at any moment.

Though he has produced when healthy, Williams' last two seasons have ended early due to injury. The Texans also have a capable pass rush even without Williams, and they don't really need him to succeed.

With this said, the main debate Houston faces is how to retain Williams. The team can either show some commitment and sign him to a long-term deal, or they can take the safe route and use the franchise tag.

Tennessee Titans: Jason Jones

A versatile player, Jones has played both defensive end and tackle in the past. Now at end, Jones isn't a very productive pass-rusher and could be replaced.

However, Jones is a great rusher at tackle and is good against the run at end. Regardless of which position he plays, Jones will be fairly one-dimensional. Because of this, he won't fetch a huge contract.

The Titans seem to develop defensive linemen with ease, so it wouldn't be a surprise if the team chose to let Jones walk. However, Jones' absence would be noticed and Tennessee would have another position to address.

Minnesota Vikings: E.J. Henderson

Henderson really shouldn't be a huge concern for the Vikings. At 6'1", 245 pounds, Henderson has good size but isn't a great athlete.

The 31-year-old is beginning to age and could certainly be replaced. Henderson probably won't demand a big contract, so the Vikings could opt to maintain at the linebacker position.

Throughout his time in Minnesota, Henderson has been a decent but not special player. The Vikings' record shows that the team has plenty of needs to address, and ideally, they could ignore the middle linebacker position.